In one of my classes yesterday, we discussed the idea of UBI-Universal Basic Income. If you don’t know what that is, it’s a philosophical proposal one of the US presidential candidates is proposing, Andrew Yang: “Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a form of social security that guarantees a certain amount of money to every citizen within a given governed population, without having to pass a test or fulfill a work requirement. Every Universal Basic Income plan can be different in terms of amount or design. Andrew Yang is running for President as Democrat in 2020 on the platform of Universal Basic Income. The UBI he is proposing for the United States is a set of guaranteed payments of $1,000 per month, or $12,000 per year, to all U.S. citizens over the age of 18. Yes, that means you and everyone you know would get another $1,000/month every month from the U.S. government, no questions asked.” I am no expert on this. And I don’t pretend to be. I’m a writer. A poet. A teacher. But I am human first. And I am a thinker. I’m trying to learn more about it. Do some research. Read. The debate ran the gamut in the classroom. It was split pretty 50/50. What was most startling, however, were the responses to Yang’s slogan: “Humanity first.” Many, though not outright stating it, basically said: No. Me first. Is that the type of society we’re living in? Is that what capitalism really is? Do people really care about humanity? About the welfare of others? Do most just blame and say: Not my problem? Does it come down to what economic class you may fall into? I, myself, work hard. Every day. But I don’t pretend I didn’t have a lot of help to get where I am financially. I had good parents. I had parents who worked hard their whole lives just so I could have a head start. I went to private college and I came out with little loans. I know I’m fortunate and lucky. My cards were dealt with lots of kings and queens. But I see daily that so many are not fortunate that way, even those working day in and day out--hard. And though they are trying, they are way behind the 8 ball to make it. If it comes down to feeding themselves or their children or going to college, they don’t have the resources to choose the latter. Decisions, opportunities—they aren’t plentiful for many. I’m not sure how I feel about Yang yet. Of course, theoretically, his proposal seems wonderfully human. And my god do we need to remember that! It’s that outside-of-the-box thinking I admire and respect. What I do know for sure is this. We have people who live paycheck to paycheck. We have people who can’t find their next meals. We have people homeless. We have children in dire conditions due to poverty of no choice of their own. And at the same time, we have people with private jets and more money than any one person could possibly ever need in 10 lifetimes. If you don’t see a problem with that disparity, you probably won’t give UBI a second look. But I know I do my best when I can actually feel my shoulders untucking from my ears, when the strain of just simply breathing becomes less labored, how simple love from another human being can actually DO things. Imagine having some stress alleviated to be the best we can be. To follow some dreams. To foster our talents. Now exhale and get started. 😊
You can read more here to understand how it might be funded, how it might replace our current welfare system, and so on. Knowledge is power. https://www.yang2020.com/meet-andrew/
10 Comments
Dee
5/2/2019 12:17:05
I have one question: our government is already in debt, so where is this extra $1000 coming from, or rather from who?
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R.B.
5/2/2019 22:11:52
This is where the how's are explained (where the money would come from). https://www.yang2020.com/what-is-ubi/
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Jay
5/2/2019 12:42:41
Andrew Yang is the man!
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R.B.
5/2/2019 22:12:21
Sold!
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Silvi
5/2/2019 21:49:32
You said that you work very hard and were very fortunate. But you also said that your parents worked hard. That’s what Yang’s idea is missing. It seems every day, there are fewer people in the workforce and more people on social services. We are currently living in a climate of entitlement, where people feel they are due something without having to work for it. Yang’s idea would further push the entitlement society. Yes, things can be hard for many people, but the government (taxpayers) should not be paying people for no reason. Those who have worked hard to achieve success and wealth, shouldn’t be criticized, they should be an example of what hard work can achieve.
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R.B.
5/2/2019 22:21:57
I hear what you're saying! The philosophy of it is the opposite of entitlement. The "theory" argues that it would instill a sense of worth in the individual to actually work more. The UBI is not in place of, but perhaps, leveling the field for a place to begin. It is not an exorbitant amount of money by any stretch. Am I buying it? I'd love to. But theory and practice and reality...all very different things, right? We have no idea of predicting how a person will act if given this. Here it explains where the money would come from and how it might serve as incentive and enpowerment. https://www.yang2020.com/what-is-ubi/
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Darlene Carroll
5/3/2019 02:43:34
I'm in two minds on this since reading/hearing about this article.
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R.B.
6/24/2019 12:01:53
Thank you for your insight, Darlene! I think when you read his plan, he answers a lot of these questions. The "salary" is for VERY basics. The idea is that having not to have to worry about those basic needs, encourages confidence to focus on self to do the things worrying about basics negates...it's interesting and flawed...but what if...
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DeeSeep
5/5/2019 17:27:07
I also have been fortunate and hope I do support those less fortunate and I work hard and am a charger for issues within my area of expertise. I don’t have an answer to this question, but have seen some societies that have done this correctly. I am just not convinced that we as a society in the US are willing or even ready to do what should be done to address this issue.
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R.B.
6/24/2019 12:02:30
No. Sadly, I agree with you. The US isn't ready, not as it is right now.
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I LOVE to write and read. I particularly enjoy reading erotic romance that has tons of emotion in it. I hope you will ask me questions and share your favorite authors and novels. I welcome all feedback.
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